What is a split contract?

A split contract is a type of player contract commonly used in the NFL that includes a base salary that is divided into two different amounts depending on whether the player is on the active roster or not. Specifically, it typically guarantees a higher salary for players who are on the 53-man roster and a lower salary if the player is not on the active roster, such as when they are on the practice squad or injured reserve. This incentivizes teams to keep players on the active roster while providing flexibility in managing their salary cap.

The other options do not accurately describe the nuances of a split contract. For example, while a contract that guarantees a minimum salary only might sound similar, it does not encompass the full framework of having different amounts based on roster status. Additionally, a contract with no incentives would not involve the variable salary aspect inherent in a split contract, nor would a contract that only pays per game played capture the unique roster-related payment structure. Thus, the definition involving different salaries for different roster statuses encapsulates the essence of what a split contract is in the context of NFL player contracts.